US judge extends temporary order halting Nexstar, Tegna merger - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi0wFBVV95cUxOdkw4c1E5cW9oWGwwME1sNTEyZnBNSWJsMEEtc0U2WnBsQWZ1NmZQTVdJdGxMUWhnSjktTUpzSTJvWGhObTVpeGUyb1dOMnh3UkVOT0lGdTN5Mk5Fb2lmSHNtcFExNzFnZnhTdXdMZzVCZ3E5R0VmdXVnNmRzbzFNdmpiTlA2aTZEemU2aG1Db3ZuLWw2Tmo3U09WVUdLR0IwYUpPeU90dnJ5UlNMeU5jY3RLbnNOLVJMOEpIRS04XzhGNWZtWEh4NkRtSjZlTjgyczNv?oc=5" target="_blank">US judge extends temporary order halting Nexstar, Tegna merger</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

A federal judge signaled Tuesday he could block Nexstar’s $6.2-billion acquisition of Tegna amid concerns the merger violates U.S. antitrust laws. The combination would give Nexstar control of 265 TV stations reaching 80% of U.S. households, far exceeding Congress’s 39% ownership cap for broadcasters. State attorneys general and DirecTV argued the deal threatens local journalism, would reduce competition, raise consumer TV prices and close newsrooms nationwide.

A judge has extended a temporary restraining order against the $6.2 billion Nexstar-Tegna merger on Friday. The move will give U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley another seven days, or until April 17, as he prepares a ruling on whether a preliminary injunction is needed to outright block the deal, which would create the largest broadcast station group in the U.S. reaching 80% of American households.

A federal judge has extended an emergency restraining order ... Eight state attorneys general and Direc ... .

A federal judge has extended a temporary restraining order on the proposed $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna for an additional week, until April 17, 2026. The extension allows the judge more time to decide whether a longer preliminary injunction is necessary. The merger, approved by the Federal Communications Commission, would create a massive media company owning 265 TV stations across 44 states and Washington D.C., many affiliated with major networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. However, the deal faces opposition from eight state attorneys general and DirecTV, who argue it could raise consumer prices and negatively impact local journalism. Nexstar contends the merger would enhance local programming. The restraining order has been modified to allow the companies to manage regular business functions, including meeting federal debt reporting obligations. Plaintiffs are concerned the deal would give Nexstar leverage to raise fees for multichannel video programming distributors, potentially leading to diminished access to popular programming, such as NFL games, for consumers.

Nexstar Media Group and Tegna must comply with a temporary restraining order on their business integration for another week while US Judge Troy Nunley of the Eastern District of California evaluates whether to impose a preliminary injunction, Judge Nunley ruled. "Here, the Court finds good cause to extend the TRO to maintain the status quo and prevent irreparable harm while the Court prepares its ruling on whether a preliminary injunction should issue," Nunley wrote.

Nexstar Media Group and Tegna must comply with a temporary restraining order on their business integration for another week while US Judge Troy Nunley of the Eastern District of California evaluates whether to impose a preliminary injunction, Judge Nunley ruled. 'Here, the Court finds good cause to extend the TRO to maintain the status quo and prevent irreparable harm while the Court prepares its ruling on whether a preliminary injunction should issue,' Nunley wrote.